On December 18, 2007, U.S. Army Sergeant David Battle almost lost his life while serving on his second tour of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On that day, 27 year old Sgt Battle dismounted from his M1A2 Abrams Tank to clear area and stepped on an IED. Sgt. Battle suffered severe wounds resulting in the loss of his right leg and hip, left leg below the knee, and later his right arm was amputated above the elbow.

He has been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the past eighteen months.

Sgt Battle has never been welcomed home. On June 20, 2009 Sgt. Battle will return to Georgia for the first time since his deployment and resulting injuries. Let's make this a special day for Sgt. Battle.

The Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia, with the help of the entire Dixie Region has modified and finished the basement of the home in Fayetteville in anticipation of Sgt Battle's return to Georgia.

Sgt. Battle and his family will arrive at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport on Saturday. We will be there to welcome him and escort him to Fayetteville with LEO support.

SGT Battle, my name is Kevin Wright. We are both members of the same brotherhood - the United States Army. We are also neighbors because your house in Fayetteville is less than 2 clicks from mine. I will ride on Saturday to honor you and your precious family. I will meet you in person at your home and extend my salute and open arms. You don't know it yet but I will come to know you and you will come to know me because I will be right there for you and your family if you need anything. Welcome home brother. I am looking forward to meeting you and your family.

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Kevin "Master Blaster" Wright
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired
52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)